Questions and answers about MLB’s new instant replay plan

August 15, 2013 - 10:41 PM

More on instant replayWho developed the proposal? John Schuerholz, president of the Atlanta Braves, along with former managers Joe Torre, now an executive vice president for MLB, and Tony La Russa, now an adviser to the league.

Who will rule on the challenges? An umpiring crew watching video at MLB headquarters in New York — similar to what the NHL does in Toronto.

What can be challenged? Schuerholz outlined a program where 89 percent of the game’s plays will be considered “reviewable.” Home run calls, reviewable since 2008, will be grandfathered in and modified for improvements.

What can’t be challenged? The umpires on the field will still have the final say on balls and strikes, checked swings and obstruction, among other calls.

Will the manager toss a red flag? No. Unlike the NFL, the MLB system will not have a flag to throw. The manager must give the closest umpire a verbal notification.

How long will the process take? Schuerholz said only an average of 1 minute, 15 seconds as opposed to the current 3:04 average for home run reviews.